About AXS Lab

AXS Lab is a nonprofit that’s building a network of organizations and people to supercharge the movement for inclusion of people with disabilities. We aim to engage audiences to explore the disability experience using new media, films, and the power of story. By exploring alternate realities of perception and experience, we believe the world becomes a more compassionate, inclusive and enriching place.

WHAT WE DO

AXS Lab makes films, new media, and builds technology as tools to raise awareness and advocate for people with disabilities globally.

WHAT WE ACHIEVE.

We have created award winning films and tools to invigorate and expand the conversation on disability around the globe.

AT THE END.

We imagine the world without barriers, that is 100% accessible, with full inclusion. Join the movement today!

our team

Jason DaSilva

Founder and Filmmaker

Jason is an Emmy award winning filmmaker and spokesperson for the disability community, and founder of the non-profit AXS Lab. He has completed 4 short films and two feature films. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 and began 7 year journey of making When I Walk. Jason has an MFA in Media from Emily Carr University. Jason continues to give voice to those on the periphery of society through his work.

Karin Hayes

Board member and Filmmaker

Karin is a duPont-Columbia University award winning filmmaker. She has produced/directed four feature films, and has worked on numerous other productions including Jason DaSilva’s Emmy award winning film “When I Walk.” Karin has filmed for various mapathons and is currently producing a film about spinal muscular atrophy called “Magnificent Burden.”

Ivan Antipov

Project Manager for AXS Map and Editor

He is the Production Manager for AXS Map (axsmap.com), a crowd-sourced tool for rating and reviewing accessible places. He works with Jason and with outsourced developers to perform the strategy and programing necessary for this massive project. He has presented AXS Map at the United Nations, at Media Impact Forum, and at Google. Ivan has worked with Jason as a cinematographer and editor on several of his projects, including When I Walk (wheniwalk.com), which received 2015 Emmy award.

Giorge Leedy

Giorge Leedy is an American artist, writer and social activist who calls the Bronx home. He first moved to New York City in 1981 at the age of 18, but was too terrified to stay any longer than an hour. The sweet innocence of being from the Midwest, along with his relentless courage and determination to succeed in the Big Apple, is reflective in all he does.

Alberto del Moral

AXS Map Embassador in South America

Alberto del Moral is AXS Lab’s multilingual interpreter, who brings to our team a deep passion for foreign languages and cultures. He’s also a powerful advocate for human rights and people with disabilities. Physically disabled by multiple sclerosis, he’s a courageous fighter who’s fully committed to helping create a more inclusive world for everyone. Born in Mexico City, he migrated to the United States at age 19, where he was a big influence in the fashion industry, advertising and hospitality. He’s also a well sought after authority on art, films, documentaries, and travel. Today, he calls New York City home, after living many years in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Tucker Salovaara

Tucker Salovaara is a recent graduate. He received his B.Tech in Emerging Media Technologies with a concentration in Media Design. He is a member of the MTA’s Access-A-Ride Committee, in which he works towards making the current system more efficient and reliable. Also, he works for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. He is a video editor and proficient web designer. He maintains and evaluates the UX/UI in order to allow for easier access for those using this service. Tucker is pursuing Master’s Degree in Disability Studies so that he could continue to improve the lives of the disabled community.

Daniel DaSilva

Dan DaSilva is currently working in the fast-paced world of Digital Marketing and is dedicated to help make an impact on accessibility through the lens of technology and the internet. Dan is originally from Vancouver, Canada and followed his dream of making it in New York. Having come from a non-profit background of 8 years which included a consultancy at the UN, he acquires a unique blend of multi-faceted experience in both human rights and the digital world. When he isn’t glued to his computer screen, you can find Dan traveling the world, partaking in outdoor activities, and constantly seeking out new restaurants and bars in NYC.

Leigh Dasilva

Director of Partnerships

Leigh has extensive experience in film, mobile, and digital media. With an MBA from the University of South Dakota, he also runs the production company In Face Films. He has worked with numerous Fortune 1000 companies helping expand their digital strategy, utilizing mobile applications and film to foster brand engagement. He worked on the AXS Lab project When I Walk, where he won an Emmy as a Producer alongside Jason DaSilva.

20k+

People involved

9

Projects

20

Partners

our work

AXS LAB HAS A RANGE OF PROJECTS ON ENVIRONMENT, IDENTITY, AND DIVERSITY RANGING THE PAST 15 YEARS.